NYCHA Prepares for Extreme Cold Weather - Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2016
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322

NYCHA Prepares for Extreme Cold Weather

In Anticipation of Record Cold Temperatures, NYCHA Readies Operations and Residents for Weekend Weather Conditions

NEW YORK— On Friday, February 12, 2016, with temperatures in New York City expected to hit record lows, NYCHA staff are preparing developments citywide for extreme cold temperatures, taking steps to weatherize the Authority, and ensure heat, hot water, and resident safety.

NYCHA is closely monitoring nearly 2,000 boilers, including 21 mobile boiler plants at Sandy-impacted sites.

Mobile boilers have been pre-treated and winterized to help prevent freeze damage and outages.

There will be 24-hour watch teams monitoring mobile boilers through the weekend.

NYCHA has been reaching out to vulnerable populations at Sandy-impacted developments by phone and encouraging them to sign up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system.

NYCHA performed inspections of boiler rooms earlier this week to identify any equipment or maintenance issues to be addressed ahead of the cold weather front.

More than 100 heating technicians, plumbers, electricians, and welders – in addition to outside vendors – will be working or on stand-by each day as part of rapid response teams to manage emergency outages now through Monday night.

Contractors are on stand-by in case cold weather conditions cause a water main break in need of immediate response.

Residents are advised to keep warm and immediately alert NYCHA with any heating issues:

Residents without adequate heat or hot water should immediately report the problem using MyNYCHA or by calling the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at: (718) 707-7771.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for alerts with MyNYCHA or access NYCHA’s Gas, Heat and Hot Water Outage webpage for real-time updates on outages impacting their development.

In order to maintain building heat, public space windows and building entrances should be closed. Residents should report any conditions that prevent public space doors or windows from closing.

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